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Louisville Kroger shooting: Here's what we know

Louisville Courier Journal
Published 5:32 a.m. ET Oct. 25, 2018

A woman looks away as she stands next to a police officer as bullet casings lay in the parking lot of a Jeffersontown Kroger on Thursday afternoon after a shooting where multiple people were injured. Police say two people were killed. Oct. 24, 2018(Photo: Matt Stone/Louisville Courier Journal)

Who is the suspect?

Police say the suspect is a man and he is in custody. He has not yet been identified.

Shortly before 3 p.m., the suspect entered Kroger and shot one man inside, then fled to the parking lot and shot a woman, Rogers said.

The suspect also exchanged gunfire with an armed citizen in the parking lot, but neither was shot nor wounded, according to police. Deacon said police arrived and confronted one of the men, who dropped his gun and got on the ground.

The male suspect was caught by police a short time later on Hurstbourne Parkway in "close proximity" to the store. Some witnesses pointed to a Honda surrounded by police tape and cruisers nearby.

What Kroger says

Kroger released a statement saying it is "shocked and saddened by the shooting incident that occurred around 2:30 p.m." It said that the suspect was apprehended and the store is secure, and that Kroger is cooperating with law enforcement. The store remains closed, but patrons are able to pick up their vehicles now. It will reopen at 7 a.m. Friday.

Police mark evidence in the parking lot of a Jeffersontown Kroger on Thursday afternoon after a shooting where multiple people were injured. Police reported two people were killed. Oct. 24, 2018 Matt Stone, Courier Journal

A police officer walks by a gun which lies on the ground outside a Jeffersontown Kroger Wednesday afternoon after a shooting with 'multiple injuries' was reported. One body was observed on the parking lot. Police later reported two people had died. Oct. 24, 2018 Matt Stone,Courier Journal

A gun lies on the ground outside a Jeffersontown Kroger Wednesday afternoon after a shooting with 'multiple injuries' was reported. One body was observed on the parking lot. Oct. 24, 2018 Matt Stone/Louisville Courier Journal

A woman looks away as she stands next to a police officer as bullet casings lay in the parking lot of a Jeffersontown Kroger on Thursday afternoon after a shooting where multiple people were injured. Police say two people were killed. Oct. 24, 2018 Matt Stone/Louisville Courier Journal

Politicians release statements

U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell released a statement saying he and his staff are monitoring the situation at the Kroger. He said he and his wife, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, "ask the entire Louisville community to join us in praying for the victims and their families. We would like to thank the brave men and women of law enforcement who responded with professionalism and secured the scene."

Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin tweeted, "In a world increasingly marked by random acts of evil, our hearts are broken for the family & friends of those killed today while simply shopping for groceries... Let each of us stand in the gap with intentional acts of civility & kindness. #BeTheDifference."

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said in a statement that he is "heartbroken by this shameful and horrifying incident, and I am angry about the tragedy that results from people with guns who have no respect for human life. Over the coming days, we will learn more about what happened. For now, I grieve with the families of the victims. I ask everyone in our community to keep them in your prayers and commit to taking action against senseless gun violence.

Louisville mayoral candidate Angela Leet tweeted that the "tragic situation happening in our community is heartbreaking. I'm grateful for the quick actions of our first responders."

Rep. John Yarmuth also tweeted that he was "deeply saddened by today's fatal shooting incident at the Jtown Kroger. Details are still emerging, but gun violence has no place in our community, or any community."

Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes also weighed in on Twitter, calling the shooting "another senseless act of gun violence this afternoon." She added that "this has to end."

What happens now?

The FBI released a statement late Wednesday, saying it is "currently assisting the Jeffersontown Police Department in the ongoing investigation into the shooting."

"FBI Louisville is evaluating the evidence to determine if there were any violations of federal law," the release stated, adding that Rogers would have an update on the investigation Thursday morning.

Please continue checking back on this developing story as more information becomes available.